Answer
Short Answer: Inform your parents in a gradual way. They love you and they want what is best for you. And as they are Christians, they believe that Christianity is best for you. Showing them all the common grounds between Islam and Christianity, despite some differences, would make the issue a bit easier for them. Also showing them that you are happy and a better person after becoming Muslim will also reassure them and make them less resistant to accepting your decision.
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Salam (Peace) Dear Brother,
Thank you for your question and for contacting Ask About Islam.
It’s great to hear that you have started reading the Quran. It is God’s final guidance for humanity.
It also good to hear that you appreciate its beautiful message.
The process of becoming Muslim is very easy.
But the process of learning Islam takes some time.
Understanding Islam properly needs a lot of reading and ideally a good teacher. So, don’t worry about knowing everything at once, be patient.
Step-By-Step
My advice to you is to take this process step-by-step.
You are worried about your parents’ reaction. But in fact you don’t need to let them know about your decision right now.
When you are convinced and ready to become a Muslim, the first phase of the transition is between you and God alone.
The day you feel you are ready, all what you need to do is to say the Shahadah (testimony of faith).
It is only two short sentences declaring that you believe that God is One, having no partners and that you believe Muhammad is God’s prophet.
At first it does not have to be in public. It would be initially between you and God only.
Following the Shahadah, you will need to start praying to God.
At first you can do that in your room in private. Again, at that stage, you don’t need to let your parents know. You could pray with your bedroom door closed or when they are not at home.
After a while of practicing the daily prayers, you will eventually feel like going to the second phase: making your Islam known, both with the Muslim community where you live, by attending Friday prayers, and with your family and friends.
Common Grounds
When you reach that stage, however long that takes you to get there, you could inform your parents in a gradual way.
As your parents, they love you and they want what is best for you. And as they are Christians, they believe that Christianity is best for you.
That’s why some Christian parents may “go mad” when their child decides to become Muslim. But it’s your own, personal, free choice based on you being convinced that Islam is God’s final guidance.
At that point you would explain to them that Jesus, peace be upon him, is also part of Islam.
And explain to them that belief in him as one of God’s most important prophets is one of the six articles of faith, which is the belief in all of God’s prophets from Adam to Muhammad, peace be upon them all.
Showing them all the common grounds between Islam and Christianity, despite some differences, would make the issue a bit easier for them.
Also showing them that you are happy and a better person after becoming Muslim will also reassure them and make them less resistant to accepting your decision.
Who knows, maybe they will also be convinced, and follow your example. And always remember to ask God to make it easy for you. You can do this any time. Talk to God. He is Ever-Listening.
Finally, on the issue of adapting to a new culture, this is not necessary.
You are only accepting a new faith. You will always be from and of your culture. Your faith will not change that.
The only thing that your new faith will require is that you refrain from the sinful acts prevalent in your culture.
And there is not much difference between believing Christians and believing Muslims in that both groups strive to leading a decent life, refraining from what is harmful and becoming better human beings through worshiping God and helping others around them.
I hope this helps answer your question, and we wish you success in your journey to Islam and happiness in your life.
And anytime you may have questions regarding Islam, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Salam and please keep in touch.
(From Ask About Islam archives)
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